Gone Without a Trace

[Gideon]

“Victor,” I say as I turn around. “I was wondering when you would show yourself.” I try not to look anxious but I am wondering where Axel is. I could use his help right about now.

“Gideon,” his grin is too wide, too white, and too pleased with his current situation. “I would say the same about you, but I can see that time hasn’t treated you well.”

“What are you doing here, Victor?” I demand although I already know the answer. He is here for Rosie, his “daughter" whom he constructed out of spare parts and let loose into the world with no sense of who she is or what her place is in the world. He allowed her to be abused by her 'mother' who tortured her from the moment she was born.

He doesn't deserve to be called anyone's father. He is no more a true father than he is a true witch.

“You know why I’m here,” his grin grows impossibly wide as a small ball of darkness forms above his fingertips. “The only reason you and I are talking is because I want to make it clear to the